A Pastoral Response to Divisive Teachings

In Romans 16:17–20, the Apostle Paul writes:
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Paul’s warning is timeless. In his day, there were men and women who introduced teachings that twisted the gospel and troubled the faith of sincere believers. They sounded persuasive, but their doctrines produced pride, judgment, and division rather than humility, love, and unity in Christ.

In our time, we face similar dangers—not from pagan philosophy, but from religious absolutism dressed in pious clothing. Movements such as KJV-Onlyism, Verbal Plenary Preservation, and Perfect TR teaching often present themselves as defenders of truth. Yet in practice, many of these teachings have led to division, spiritual arrogance, and confusion among the people of God.

They turn secondary matters of Bible translation and textual history into tests of faithfulness, sometimes even claiming that only one human version of Scripture is “perfect.” In doing so, they create the very kind of obstacle Paul warned about—an obstacle “contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught,” for the doctrine of Christ calls us to unity in truth and charity in love.

What Should We Do?

Paul’s instruction is both clear and pastoral:

“Watch out for them… and avoid them.”

This does not mean we respond with anger or hostility. It means we must be discerning, refuse to be drawn into needless controversy, and guard the flock from teachings that elevate human tradition above the Word and Spirit of God.

We can do this in several ways:

1. Stand firm in sound doctrine.
   Continue to teach the Word faithfully, using accurate and responsible translations. Affirm the inspiration and authority of Scripture without idolizing one textual form.

2. Avoid fruitless arguments.
   Paul elsewhere warns against quarrels about words and genealogies that produce strife (2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Do not waste energy debating those who are entrenched in divisive dogma.

3. Protect the flock with grace and truth.
   Gently warn believers who are confused. Show them that the power of God’s Word is not limited by language or translation. The same Spirit who inspired the Word also illuminates it in every faithful rendering.

4. Pray for the deceived and the deceivers.
   Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Behind every false teaching is the subtle work of the enemy. But Paul reminds us, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” We trust that the victory belongs to Christ, not to controversy.

5. Keep the focus on Christ Himself.
   The true test of any teaching is this: does it lead us to love Jesus more deeply, to trust Him more completely, and to serve His church more humbly? Any doctrine that shifts our gaze from Christ to human pride or exclusivity must be rejected.

Closing Encouragement

So, brothers and sisters, let us heed Paul’s words with both courage and compassion.
We must stand firm against teachings that divide the body of Christ, yet remain gracious toward those who have been misled. Let us live out the truth in love, confident that God Himself will preserve His Word and His church.

And as Paul ended his exhortation, so may we say together:

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”